It contains assignments that focus on critical thinking as demonstrated through writing.* These assignments together should constitute a substantial percentage of the course grade.

It has a maximum of a 25/1 student/instructor ratio. Should a CTW class have more than 25 students, the instructor will receive assistance. If a CTW class enrolls 51-75 students, the assistance of two people would be needed, and so forth.**

It is taught by a CTW-trained instructor.***

*For purposes of this motion, “assignments that focus on critical thinking as demonstrated through writing” are assignments that use writing to help students develop the “wide range of cognitive skills and intellectual dispositions needed to effectively identify, analyze, and evaluate arguments and truth claims; to discover and overcome personal prejudices; to formulate and present convincing reasons in support of conclusions; and to make reasonable, intelligent decisions about what to believe and what to do.” (Bassham, Irwin, Nardone & Wallace, Critical Thinking: A Student’s Introduction (McGraw-Hill, 2005) page 1.) Typically, students will have the opportunity to revise at least one assignment during the semester.

**This ratio may be accomplished by various means. Variations include but are not limited to: capping CTW sections at 25 (the ideal), assigning trained CTW graduate student(s) to sections with more than 25 students, and having department or college CTW staff consultant(s) work with sections over 25 students. In some cases, it may be appropriate for the instructors of CTW courses capped at 25 to have assistance. In these cases, departments and colleges may petition the Gen Ed Subcommittee and the Provost for additional funding.

***CTW training will be available to faculty, graduate students, and staff who are working in CTW courses. Departments must use university-wide CTW training or alternative training approved by the Gen Ed Subcommittee.